The Research Department at RSABG encompasses the Garden’s scientists and graduate students, as well as the important collections housed in the herbarium and library which, support research here and beyond. Also supporting research at the Garden are laboratories and plant growth facilities. A number of special research programs that reflect RSABG’s dedication to conserving native California plants and advancing knowledge about them are also part of research. Through both field studies and lab studies , we are major players in plant conservation. Scientific publications , producing the Garden’s journal Aliso and Occasional Publications on a variety of topics, are also part of RSABG's Research Department.

The Garden’s graduate program is a cooperative endeavor between RSABG and Claremont Graduate University (CGU). Students receive their degrees through CGU and are subject to the academic regulations of the university but classes, facilities and support for the program are based at the Garden.

The Research Department hosts a seminar series that brings speakers on a wide range of topics in evolutionary biology and ecology to the Garden each week during the academic year. Seminars are on Fridays at 4 pm and are open to all.

Resident Scientists at the Garden include postdoctoral fellows who are supported on external grants and resident scholars who call the Garden their research home. RSABG's Research Department benefits from the affiliation of a number of research associates who are mostly scientists at other southern California colleges, universities, gardens and research institutions. Many of these scientists collaborate with our faculty and students and make regular use of Garden facilities.

Scientists and students interface extensively with other programs at the Garden, notably the seed collection (with research scientists making regular contributions to the seed bank) and living collection . These last units are administered by the Horticulture Department.

Beyond the Garden confines, RSABG research scientists interact with a number of colleagues in plant science at the other institutions that are part of the Claremont consortium. To learn of course offerings, research opportunities, facilities, and faculty who are part of the plant science network in Claremont, visit the Plant Biology at the Claremont Colleges website .